Let's start by emphasizing this: there is no definitive "best" weapon type in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you're searching for a weapon that will consistently give you the fastest hunt times because it's overwhelmingly powerful, you won't find one. The key is to select a weapon that feels right for you. If you're not carting, consistently hitting the monster, and enjoying the gameplay, that's what truly matters.
Crafting a successful build for any weapon involves various elements like armor, decorations, and choosing the right Artian weapon for the specific monster you're facing. These factors are crucial, but if you're looking to shave seconds off your hunt times, certain weapon types might help. The following tier list for the best weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds is a blend of IGN's community tier list, online sentiment, my own experiences based on the difficulty to master, and current speedrun averages.
Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Tier List
Monster Hunter Wilds Best Weapons Tier List
The "best" weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds include Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Long Sword, Gunlance, and Bow, listed in no particular order. These stand out above the rest for various reasons, which we'll explore below.
S-tier: These are the cream of the crop, offering high damage output and relative ease of use. The Gunlance is the most technical weapon in this category, but its advantages are significant according to the community.
- Sword and Shield
- Great Sword
- Long Sword
- Gunlance
- Bow
A-tier: These weapons have the potential to match S-tier performance with the right skills, as they can be more technical and less forgiving. The Hunting Horn, while not the best for solo play, excels in co-op scenarios.
- Insect Glaive
- Charge Blade
- Dual Blades
- Hunting Horn
- Heavy Bowgun
- Switch Axe
B-tier: These weapons might not match up to S- and A-tier weapons even in skilled hands, but they're far from "bad." They may require more effort and finely-tuned builds to achieve comparable results.
- Lance
- Hammer
- Light Bowgun
Why only three tiers?: As mentioned, there's no single best weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds, and all weapons are viable. Your tier list could vary depending on the monster you're hunting. Don't let tier lists discourage you from using your favorite weapon. Even B-tier weapons are considered great on the IGN scale!
Best Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Explained
Sword and Shield
The Sword and Shield is phenomenal in Monster Hunter Wilds. Often underestimated as merely a "beginner" weapon, it's easy to learn yet incredibly versatile. It offers high mobility during attacks, allowing you to stick to monsters effectively, and can both guard and deal substantial damage. Its ability to perform perfect guards leads to quick, powerful counter slashes and can activate an Offensive Guard buff if you have that equipment skill. For support hunters, it's invaluable as you can use items without sheathing the weapon, making it easy to administer life-saving Lifepowders and buffs to your team. Whether you prefer evasion or blocking, slashing or blunt damage, or even aerial attacks, the Sword and Shield has you covered—except for an Offset attack.
Great Sword
The Great Sword is the first weapon developed for new Monster Hunter games, and it shows. It excels with Wilds' new Power Clashes and satisfying Offset attacks. While slower and more punishing on mishits, the introduction of Focus Mode makes it easier to aim. For those seeking the highest single-strike damage output, the Great Sword is an excellent choice, with True Charged Slashes delivering immensely satisfying hits.
Long Sword
The Long Sword is consistently one of Monster Hunter's most popular weapons due to its speed and ease of use. It features a fun, flashy playstyle that relies on the Foresight Slash for perfect evades, which quickly builds the Spirit Gauge for maximum damage. With excellent reach, it's perfect for slicing off tails. Maintaining a maxed Spirit Gauge requires some management, but the reward is well worth it with the Long Sword's high damage potential when you're in the zone.
Gunlance
While I'm less familiar with the Gunlance, it's highly praised by the IGN community, speedrunners, and online enthusiasts in Monster Hunter Wilds. Mastering it can be challenging compared to other S-tier weapons, but it offers strong defense with its large shield capable of Perfect Guards and explosive power at the cost of some mobility. In Wilds, the Gunlance can fire two Wyvern's Fire shots with increased range, and the new Wyrmstake Full Blast attack is incredibly potent.
Bow
Despite not topping the charts in Tempered Arkveld speedruns, the Bow is widely regarded as an exceptional weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds. It feels powerful, even with a slight Focus Strike nerf since the Open Beta Test. The Bow's new Tracer Ammo guarantees hits and crits, and it never runs out of damage-boosting or ailment-inflicting coatings, enhancing its damage potential. With perfect dodge timing, the Bow's Discerning Dodge replenishes stamina, allowing nearly continuous attacks. It's mobile, strong, and its Focus Strike looks fantastic.
Remember, this tier list is merely a reference. We recommend sticking with your preferred weapon. For instance, if you're adept with the Light Bow Gun, knowing precisely where to aim with different ammo types and dodging every monster attack, you'll achieve better times than with the Great Sword if you're struggling with True Charged Slashes and Offset attacks. Mastering any weapon takes time and practice!
What weapon do you think is the best in Monster Hunter Wilds? Contribute to our Community Tier List at the top of this article. We might even update this article with new ratings! For more in-depth information, don't miss our comprehensive Monster Hunter Wilds guide.
